Bloomingdale's — Attraction in New York

I was trying to exchange a concealer today because the color was too light for my skin.

The lady got so surprised and impatient from the beginning like it’s insane to even bring up this issue and told me that she can’t do anything if I already opened and used it.

I bought it last week and have just tried it once to test the color. I told her that I’m not trying to exchange to a new same one or return it and I just want the right color because the one you guys sold me before is not right and everywhere I looked up online (the brand’s official website and other cosmetic store like Sephora) says if you are not satisfied with the product you can return it.

Instead of trying to communicate and solve this problem in a professional manner the lady chose to ignore with a very grumpy face like I stole her money.

After I told her that I have to call their customer service to find a better person to deal with this - the lady started to slowly digging the drawer and passively asking me which color do I want. Luckily I already did some research and knew the color I want because it would be another story if I even dare to ask her to recommend me a right color.

At the check out she told me that this time she will exchange it for me but not sure about next time - like she’s threatening and teaching me that I shouldn’t come back even I have issues with the product I purchased here next time. She’s acting like she has done a huge favor for me and what I did was unacceptable and never heard of. She handed me the exchanged product without looking at me or saying anything.

I’m really confused about the policy and surprised that even it’s one of the biggest department stores here - the exchange/return policy is quite chaotic and unclear especially it will depend on the sale’s mood. If Bloomingdale’s taught their employees to handle this kind of situation in this way then there’s nothing I can say.

I have been shopping here a lot (as it’s always so busy at Sephora) and all the sales I met before have been very helpful and kind and would tell me to come back if I’m not happy about the product even without me asking.

But this incident probably let me realize an answer for a question that I always have in my mind - why it’s always so quiet and nobody wants...

What do you expect from the Bloomingdale's? At least what do you expect from the way they position themselves? Kind of high end store where you expect somewhat luxury experience? Or at least close to that. Well forget about it in Bloomingdale's SOHO. First of all store is relatively small. And it is still quite a mess. Staff are wandering around and talk to each other, mostly without paying attention to customers. No one greeting you, no one offers help. I went there for an online order pick up. I had at least four staff members passing by an online pick up area without asking if I need help or calling someone to let them know they have a waiting customer. I was alone there waiting for a while, so there was no other customers being served at that time. Box that I have received had a wrong shoe. Completely different brand. You would think that in BLOOMINGDALE'S they would check before giving that to you right? When it has been discovered by me I was referred to return it. So... No one bothered to look for a pair that I suppose to get. Store was not busy, so at least a slight attempt would be appreciated. Ok, we did a return and I was offered online express delivery order that I appreciated. However, they included gift wrap for a fee to my order. This was a mistake but again, you would think they would check in BLOOMINGDALE'S, right? I really do not have high expectations from most of the stores, but some, like Bloomingdale's or Nordstrom position themselves they way you should have high expectations. Bloomingdale's SOHO branch failed...

MUST READ: I had the WORST customer experience at Creed in Bloomingdale’s. The saleswoman was snobbish, apathetic and obviously judges people by their appearances. When I was there she was serving a lady who was wearing full make-up and a nice wool coat. There were a bunch of used test strips so I knew that the lady must had tried quite a lot before I came. I was just wearing an athletic jacket that day, the saleswoman looked at me and just said a “Hi”. I asked if I could try the Irish Tweed, but she gave me Aventus. I thought she was just hearing me wrong (not likely because they sound totally different), so I asked again. She sprayed the Irish Tweed for me reluctantly without saying a word, while I clearly heard that she was explaining the notes and ingredients of every perfume that the lady next to me tried. When I pointed at another one and asked her if I could try that, she did nothing except saying that “that one’s out of this world and not that wearable”. WOW. I was so shocked. I did’t even bother asking to try other perfumes after she gave me that attitude. So here’s a lesson learned: if you are thinking about going to this place and get decent service there you better first think about how to make yourself look like a rich person. BTW I’m gonna gave my Creed to my friend and never buy another Creed again because this horrible experience will come back to me every time I...